happy to find you

[mikeysmom1995]

Hello, I was diagnosed last may with rrms after a lovely case of optic neuritis and double vision. I have been having different symptoms for years that the neurologist says was probably the ms, but I just chalked them up to getting older. I have been having some new symptoms recently but am not sure what constitutes a relapse. I am calling the neurologist tomorrow. It is so frustrating because I don't know if there is something specific that happens when you have a relapse. Do you have the the same thing that got you diagnosed in the first place? I only know one other person with this disease and she and I have very different symptoms. It would be great to have some input from others, what their experiences have been with a relapse. I have a very wonderful family that is really understanding but sometimes I feel like they are running out of things to say.  Thanks for listening.
Barb

[Sarahsmom46]

I was diagnosed in May 2009 and my first symptoms were optic neuritis as well.
I've also chalked up the earlier symptoms to getting older and now know that it was related to undiagnosed MS at that time.  Its good you finally know what is causing your symptoms even while you are learning what this all means.  We can all relate to your question as we have all posted about it at one time or another. Sometimes we can figure out sooner or later what is a relapse for us individually and often times must call the neuro when in doubt.

JJ is right on the mark with what she mentioned so I won't repeart it except to say that  I started keeping a log of relapses trying to document what may trigger a relapse for me.  It was very helpful when I would get very sick, for example, and then within a week or two at the latest start into a relapse.  That is my signal that the symptoms I was having were not a pseudo relapse and that I needed to contact my neuro.  I usually wait 2-3 days with no symptom improvement before I call in.  

I hope this was helpful.  

Julie

[mikeysmom1995]

Thank you so much for the information, it is very helpful. My neuro is very nice, but she has not given too much info on what to expect. I know that if I overdo I begin to experience symptoms, but they go away after I rest. I will call the neuro today as my left thigh has gone totally numb and I am experiencing a lot of pain in my left hip and up the right side of my torso. The upside of the thigh numbness  is I didn't feel my avonex shot. Lol. Probably not funny, but trying to keep my sense of humor through all of this. I guess its what keeps me going.
I will give  a look to the health pages. I appreciate your quick response to my post.
Barb

[supermum_ms]

Hi Barb,

Welcome to our little MS community, I'm sorry for the reason you found us but it is a wonderfully, safe place to land and no question is silly or off limits, so it was a good find :o)

The rule of thumb with relapses: a) The return of previously remitted sx's or b) the worsening of sx's and or c) experiencing a brand new sx, that lasts for no less than 24 hours and no sooner than 30 days since your last relapse.

If sx's return etc for less than a day, then its probably a pseudo and will settle down after you've cooled down or rested. The 30 days part is a guide because relapses dont typically happen that close together, so if there hasn't been a block of time since your last relapse, then its thought to be the same relapse you were in before and not a new one.

Understanding relapses is tricky, it can take a long time to understand your body and its warning signs but in time you'll work when you've pushed beyond your boundaries and its a pseudo or when its a genuine relapse. If you haven't had any sign of relapse since you were dx back in May last year, then its more than possible that you are relapsing and contacting your neuro is a good idea.

Cheers.........JJ

ps have you looked through our 'health pages' (?) found at the right of your screen, if not they are well worth taking the time to read!

    

[HVAC]

Every case of MS is different. Inflammation causes relapses and it depends where the inflammation is as to what symptoms you have, You may have the same symptoms or very different ones it is hard to say.

Alex